Jetting Module Install Mechanism for Inkjet Printheads
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Solution Overview
Problem
In densely populated continuous ink jet printers, the installation and alignment of jetting modules are complex and technically demanding, requiring improved methods to ensure proper functionality and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A printer system with a plurality of jetting modules, each having alignment features, and a jetting module installation device with a latch mechanism and coupling frame for secure alignment and connection, facilitating the installation and alignment of jetting modules within the printhead frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If jetting modules are densely populated in the ink jet printer, then printing capability and productivity are improved, but alignment precision and installation complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The printhead is divided into multiple modular jetting modules, each containing a subset of nozzles and associated components. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing and assembly of individual modules while maintaining high overall printing capability through the combined array of modules.
Solution Approach 2:
Alignment features serve as intermediary elements between the jetting modules and the printhead frame. These features act as mediators that automatically ensure precise alignment during assembly, eliminating the need for complex manual alignment procedures while maintaining high precision in densely populated configurations.
2Productivity
If jetting modules are densely populated in the ink jet printer, then printing capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The printhead is divided into multiple modular jetting modules, each containing a subset of nozzles and associated components. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing and assembly of individual modules while maintaining high overall printing capability through the combined array of modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The jetting modules are designed with self-aligning features that automatically ensure proper positioning during installation. The alignment features on the modules automatically engage with corresponding features on the printhead frame, enabling the system to self-align without requiring complex external alignment tools or procedures.
3Device complexity
If traditional alignment methods are used for jetting modules, then device simplicity is maintained, but alignment precision and reliability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Alignment features serve as intermediary elements between the jetting modules and the printhead frame. These features act as mediators that automatically ensure precise alignment during assembly, eliminating the need for complex manual alignment procedures while maintaining high precision in densely populated configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex manual alignment procedures with automated mechanical alignment features. The alignment features provide automatic mechanical guidance and positioning, substituting for time-consuming manual alignment operations and achieving higher precision through engineered mechanical interfaces rather than operator skill.
4Productivity
If jetting modules are densely populated in the ink jet printer, then printing capability is improved, but connection reliability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The printhead is divided into multiple modular jetting modules, each containing a subset of nozzles and associated components. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing and assembly of individual modules while maintaining high overall printing capability through the combined array of modules.
Solution Approach 2:
Alignment features serve as intermediary elements between the jetting modules and the printhead frame. These features act as mediators that automatically ensure precise alignment during assembly, eliminating the need for complex manual alignment procedures while maintaining high precision in densely populated configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A printer includes a plurality of jetting modules each including a first alignment feature, a plurality of nozzles through which fluid may be jetted and fluid and electrical connections; a printhead frame having a plurality of jetting-module receiving receptacles each of which receives one of the jetting modules, each receiving receptacle having a second alignment feature corresponding to the first alignment feature of a jetting module: a jetting module installation device having a pocket for receiving a jetting module, wherein the jetting module installation device includes a latch mechanism that, in a first position, is latched to the printhead frame securing the jetting module in a jetting module receiving receptacle with the first alignment feature engaging a corresponding second alignment feature of the printhead frame; the latch mechanism that, in a second position, is unlatched from the printhead frame so that the jetting module is not secured in the jetting module receiving receptacle; and wherein the jetting module installation device includes a coupling frame having fluid and electrical connections that correspond to the fluid and electrical connections of the jetting module, and the installation device includes a mechanism move the coupling frame relative to the jetting module to cause the fluid and electrical connections of the coupling frame to mate to the fluid and electrical connections of the jetting module.